A celebration of legacy, faith, and Filipino excellence at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater
The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a historic concert on January 22, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. This landmark event will honor the MSO’s rich musical legacy, while highlighting the orchestra’s commitment to excellence, Filipino culture, and the future of classical music in the Philippines.
The evening will feature a special performance of Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, the same piece that opened the orchestra’s inaugural concert in 1926, under the direction of founder Alexander Lippay. Guest conductor Darrel Ang will lead the MSO in this iconic work, marking a century of musical tradition. The concert will also feature Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major (“Emperor”), with young virtuoso Muyu Liu as the soloist, delivering an extraordinary performance of this monumental composition.
To conclude the evening, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, under the baton of Mark Anthony Carpio, will join the MSO for two powerful sacred works by Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music and MSO Trustee: Misa 2000 and Te Deum. These moving pieces, combining choral and orchestral forces, are a tribute to both faith and Filipino identity—perfectly reflecting the MSO’s mission of musical and cultural excellence.
Program Highlights: Beethoven and Cayabyab in Focus
Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72
Darrel Ang, Conductor
The Leonore Overture No. 3 is one of Beethoven’s most dramatic and emotionally charged works. Composed for his only opera, Fidelio, it embodies the themes of struggle, freedom, and triumph. This overture was first performed by the MSO at its inaugural concert in 1926, and its return in this centennial celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the orchestra’s rich history.
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”)
Muyu Liu, Piano
Darrel Ang, Conductor
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto is a masterpiece that showcases the grandeur of the piano concerto genre. Written during a time of political and social turmoil, the concerto’s heroic themes and virtuosic piano writing make it one of the most beloved works in the classical piano repertoire. Rising star Muyu Liu will perform the concerto with the MSO, bringing her own artistry to this iconic piece.
Ryan Cayabyab: Misa 2000
Philippine Madrigal Singers
Manila Symphony Orchestra
Mark Anthony Carpio, Conductor
Composed for choir, orchestra, and indigenous instruments, Misa 2000 is a beautiful synthesis of Western liturgical forms and Filipino musical traditions. The work is deeply spiritual and profoundly moving, uniting diverse musical elements into a vibrant and culturally rich tapestry of sound.
Ryan Cayabyab: Te Deum
Philippine Madrigal Singers
Manila Symphony Orchestra
Mark Anthony Carpio, Conductor
Cayabyab’s Te Deum is a jubilant work of thanksgiving and praise, filled with rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness. The piece will bring the concert to a rousing conclusion, offering an uplifting reflection of both the Filipino spirit and universal faith.
MSO 100th Anniversary Season: A Year-Long Celebration
The MSO’s centennial celebration will continue throughout 2026 and into 2027 with a series of exciting concerts. These performances will pay tribute to the orchestra’s legacy while showcasing the future of Filipino classical music.
Concert I – Centennial Opening: The Sleeping Beauty
March 13-15, 2026 | Aliw Theater
Concert II – Centennial Rising Stars of the Philippines
May 30, 2026 | Proscenium Theatre
Concert III – Symphony of a Nation: 100 Years of Music, 80 Years of Fil-Am Friendship
July 4, 2026 | Manila Metropolitan Theater
Concert IV – Legacies in Song: MSO’s 100 Years and the Voice of Conching Rosal
August 29, 2026 | FEU Auditorium
Concert V – Centennial Finale Gala: Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, and Future
October 2026 | Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University
Concert VI – MSO 100 Centennial Finale
January 2027 | Venue TBA
Note: Program, artists, dates, and venues are subject to change.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the MSO 100th Anniversary Concert are available through Ticketworld.
Special Discounts:
- 50% off for students
- 20% off for senior citizens and PWDs
- 20% Early Bird Discount: Use code MSO100EB20 (valid until December 1, 2025, 11:59 PM)
Follow MSO on Social Media
Stay connected and updated with MSO’s centennial events and celebrations:
- YouTube: Manila Symphony Orchestra
- Facebook: Manila Symphony Orchestra
- Instagram: @manila.symphony
- TikTok: @manilasymphonyorchestra
- Website: www.manilasymphony.com
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